By State Rep. James Clay Jr.
We have the power to put a stop to the AIDS epidemic
While there are many serious issues facing our community, none are overlooked as consistently as the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
According to a report by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, there are currently 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, and 506,000 of those individuals are African-American. While this disproportional impact can be attributed to many reasons, a solution to this problem will only be possible once our community accepts the necessity of regular testing and frank conversation.
The tragic situations caused by this epidemic are a result of being, as a society, unaware of the dangers of the disease and unprepared to truly battle it. The only way we will ever defeat this disease is by getting education, getting tested, and making a commitment to fight HIV/AIDS.
Testing is quick, painless and confidential. It can give you and your loved ones peace of mind or the knowledge needed to make important decisions.
In an effort to make getting tested more convenient, my office has successfully hosted two free AIDS awareness testing days. The neighborhood responses to these events have been overwhelming, which is why I have decided to expand this effort.
Join my staff and me from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on either Friday, Nov. 14 or Friday, Nov. 21 at my district office, 4915 Frankford Ave., to get tested and learn more about this important issue.
Remember: Complacency has been the enemy in our battle against AIDS, but awareness of the problem is our No. 1 ally. I hope to see you at my upcoming events.
